Mount Misen on Miyajima has for centuries attracted humans. The mountain has been considered sacred since at least the 9th century, and today remains a very important mountain for the shrines and temples in the area. There are multiple hiking trails, of different difficulties, on and around Mount Misen. Mount Misen isn’t a very high …
The highest point of the sacred island of Miyajima is Mount Misen (弥山) at 535 meters (1755 ft.). At the very top of the mountain is an observatory, called Mount Misen Observatory, with a stunning view over Hiroshima Bay. Mount Misen has been a sacred location for centuries. It is said that the Buddhist monk …
Daisho-in (大聖院) temple on Miyajima, in Hiroshima Prefecture, is an important temple in the Shingon Buddhist sect. The temple was founded by Kukai in 806, and is known for it’s beautiful fall foliage and for keeping the same flame burning since the temple was established 1200 years ago (the flame is kept in a building …
Hiroshima is a modern and exciting city, with a tragic history. When visiting Hiroshima today it is hard to imagine that as recently as 1945 the entire city was wiped out by the first atomic bomb ever to be used in warfare. The city was completely leveled, and everything which can be seen today has …
Shukkeien Garden (縮景園) in Hiroshima is a beautiful Japanese landscape garden, dating back to 1620. The gardens name, which translates to “shrunken scenery garden”, hints at the landscape style used. The garden also features a plum grove which is especially beautiful in February when the plum trees blossom. The miniature landscapes of Shukkeien Garden are …
Miyajima is widely considered one of the top 10 destinations in Japan. The sacred island off the coast of Hiroshima appears in almost every list of recommended places to visit in Japan, and for a good reason; it is extremely beautiful and charming. The world famous Itsukushima Shrine (UNESCO world Heritage), the tame Miyajima deer …
Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island in Hiroshima Prefecture is one of the best known shrines in all of Japan, and a UNESCO world heritage site. The shrine is built in a small cove on Miyajima, and stands almost entirely over the water. The iconic torii gate located in the water in front of the shrine …
Explore the enchanting Ishigaki Yaima Village, a captivating open-air museum that showcases pre-modern houses and traditional Okinawan architecture. This unique museum offers a window into the life of old Okinawa, prior to the arrival of modern construction techniques. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a delightful monkey park, making it a perfect spot for both those interested …
Kabira Bay is a stunningly beautiful bay and beach area in Ishigaki, Okinawa, worthy of the front page of a travel magazine. The bay and beach is known as one of the most beautiful in all of Okinawa, but also for it’s Glass Bottom Boat Tours which allow visitors to watch corals and fish in …
The Shisa, a creature which is half dog half lion, is a deeply rooted and very popular part of Okinawan culture. At the Yonekoyaki Shisa Sculpture Park in Ishigaki you can experience a local artists trippy and colorful take on this piece of Okinawa tradition. Here dozens of enormous and colorful, lovable sculptures with wacky …
